Summer has arrived in Washington and as we approach our Annual Board of Trustees meeting we are busy preparing slides and remarks that tell the story of our 2009 accomplishments, our on-going plans for 2010, and long term goals for the future.

I’m pleased to report that despite a volatile stock market, the Society’s portfolio is slowly recovering and we are still able to offer a full range of programs for Airmen and their families. These programs are so important given the continued high ops tempo and tough economic conditions that test even the best of household budgets. We want the Air Force Family to know that even in the worst of times the Air Force Aid Society is there when you need us with Emergency Assistance, Education, and Community Enhancement Programs.

Maintaining our programs at their current levels is due in no small part to the generosity of our donors. Our largest fundraiser is the annual Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) Campaign which supports the four Air Force Charities – the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, and the LeMay Foundation. The 2010 fund drive just ended with another record-breaking effort that raised nearly $7.5 million for the affiliated charities. Our thanks to the Airmen, both Active and Retired, who supported the fund drive. We are also pleased that this year’s Air Force Charity Ball was another resounding success, raising over $563,000 for the Society. We are grateful to the many corporations and individuals that supported this annual event. Equally important, are the donations we receive from individuals. These donations, large and small, tell us that you care about the Society and our mission to help Airmen.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read our latest 2009 Annual Report which is available on this website. I think it does a great job of telling our story and will help you see how the Society continues to lean forward 24/7 taking care of our Airmen and their families.

John D. Hopper, Jr.
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret)
Chief Executive Officer
Air Force Aid Society